This course takes you through flower fields that decorate Hokkaido’s vast landscapes. Set out under the summer sun to admire vibrant blooms in full display.
Hokuryu Sunflower Village is one of Japan’s largest sunflower fields, spanning about 23 hectares with around 2 million sunflowers in bloom. During peak season, from July 20 to August 18, the Sunflower Festival takes place, featuring a giant sunflower maze, guided tours, and daily events. This tour operates during the festival period, so be sure to check the event schedule in advance.
Before visiting the sunflower fields, the tour stops at Sunagawa Highway Oasis for a break. This spot gathers the best of the Sorachi area, truly a “highway oasis.” The included light meal bento is specially prepared here, featuring local favorites such as minced cutlet made with premium Jinai Wagyu beef and Akabira’s signature hot leg chicken. Enjoy these local flavors while taking in the sunflower views.
On the way from Hokuryu to Biei, enjoy views of the Patchwork Road and the iconic Seven Stars Tree from the bus. Then, stop at Hokusei-no-Oka Observatory Park, a scenic viewpoint overlooking the Daisetsuzan mountains and rolling hills. A perfect chance to take photos while taking a short rest.
The final stop is Shikisai no Oka, where more than 30 types of flowers bloom in succession from May through late October. The peak season runs from late July to late September, when the gently sloping hills transform into a patchwork of color. A 15-minute ride on the tractor bus “Shikisai Norokko” is highly recommended. The site also has alpacas, and visitors can enter the farm area as an optional activity to interact with and feed them.
Breathe in Hokkaido’s refreshing summer air beneath wide-open blue skies, where colorful flowers paint the vast landscape. This tour offers a full Hokkaido experience brought to you by a comfortable sightseeing bus.
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Find yourself surrounded by Hokkaido’s flower fields on a journey across its vast landscapes.
Seafood Grill and Ropeway Views
Otaru, the Japan Heritage City & Shiroi Koibito Park Tour (Includes Meal)
Otaru was recognized as a Japan Heritage site in 2025. This sightseeing bus tour offers a richly rewarding day, combining the history and scenery of Otaru with a visit to one of Sapporo’s classic attractions, Shiroi Koibito Park.
The first destination, the Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway, is a hugely popular spot known as a favorite filming location for movies. At the summit station, five observation points offer sweeping views of Otaru’s townscape, the Sea of Japan, and the mountains rising in the distance, scenery that is also recognized as part of the Japan Heritage cultural assets. In addition to the views, the summit station also features shops and cafés, a ski museum, a chipmunk park, and activities such as a zipline, making it full of things to enjoy.
At the foot of Tenguyama is The Glass Studio in Otaru, where the glassmaking process behind Otaru glass can be observed, and with advance reservation, a glassblowing experience of about 10 to 20 minutes is also available.
*Glassblowing experience is closed every Tuesday.
After enjoying the views, it’s time for lunch. Lunch is served at Otaru Bine, a renovated Meiji-era building that once housed the former head office of Hokkaido Bank, where a seafood grill meal can be enjoyed in a historic setting. Savor Otaru specialties such as herring marinade and seasonal seafood.
After lunch, the next stop is the Former Nippon Yusen Otaru Branch. Built in 1906 in a Western-style design inspired by the revival architecture of modern Europe, this building is both part of the Japan Heritage cultural assets and a nationally designated Important Cultural Property. Inside, the lavish interior showcases finely crafted details in the columns, wallpaper, and ceiling decorations, vividly reflecting Otaru’s former prosperity.
*Closed every Tuesday and on September 24. On those dates, this stop is omitted and time for exploring Otaru is extended to approximately 3 hours.
After visiting the historic building, the tour continues with a drop-off at Otaru Canal Terminal for free time to explore the town of Otaru.
Nearby are attractions such as the Otaru Canal, Denuki Koji, and Sakaimachi Street, lined with popular spots including Kitaichi Glass, Otaru Music Box Museum, and Kitakaro. Planning which places to visit in advance is recommended.
On the way back to Sapporo, the tour stops at the sweets-themed park Shiroi Koibito Park for sightseeing and shopping. Highlights include an English garden filled with around 200 rose bushes and seasonal flowers, along with a mechanical clock tower where animal automata perform a cheerful parade every hour on the hour.
*Admission to the paid area requires a separate fee.
One of the great appeals of this tour is the chance to fully enjoy both the historic landmarks and popular attractions of Otaru and Sapporo. Why not enjoy a full day of sightseeing on a bus journey departing from and returning to Sapporo?
Hike through autumn colors at Hokkaido’s highest peak.
Asahidake “Garden in the Sky” Walking Tour (with Lunch)
At 2,291 meters, Asahidake is the highest mountain in Hokkaido. After a scenic 190-kilometer drive from Sapporo, enjoy a hike in this “garden in the sky” near the center of Hokkaido.
The journey from Sapporo takes about three hours, with a rest stop along the way Upon arrival at the Asahidake Ropeway, enjoy lunch at the Sugatami Shokudo on the second floor. The menu features a hearty stewed hamburger steak topped with chunky locally grown Higashikawa vegetables. Made with 100% Hokkaido beef, it’s juicy and well-balanced, perfect for fueling up before your hike.
After lunch, take the ropeway at your own pace up to Sugatami Station at 1,600 meters. From the station, set out on a scenic hike. A 1.7-kilometer walking loop (about one hour) leads past alpine plants such as chinguruma, the reflective Sugatami Pond that mirrors Asahidake on calm days, and occasionally wildlife such as the Ezo pika.
On the return journey, stop at Sunagawa Highway Oasis, where products from across Hokkaido come together. Brows Oasis Plaza for famous sweets, local sake, and regional specialties, or visit Soraichi Market for fresh produce and local goods from the Sorachi area. The site also features the first shop of the popular confectionery maker Kitakaro, offering exclusive items you can only find here.
With about three hours each way and roughly 400 km in total, this comfortable journey is made easy by the sightseeing bus. Don’t miss the chance to experience these seasonal views that can only be enjoyed for a short time each autumn.
